Fast food: Falafel

Falafel is what people in the Middle East eat as fast food. This fried ball (or patty) made from spiced chickpeas, is available in street markets throughout that part of the world.
Because you’re on a budget (that’s part of the reason you’re here, isn’t it?) you probably can’t afford to jet off to Egypt or elsewhere in the Middle East for this tasty snack, so make your own at home. It’s easy, tasty and fun to make this treat.
Falafel is usually served in a pita-like bread called lafa, either inside the bread, which acts as a pocket, or wrapped in a flat bread. You can pile them on some lettuce and tomato for a lower calorie snack or dip them in hummus or a tahini-based sauce or yogurt sauce and pop them in your mouth as finger food.
During Ramadan, they are sometimes eaten as part of a meal which breaks the daily fast after sunset.
If you’re feeling lazy, though, most supermarkets sell a powdered mix of chickpea flour, flour and spices that you can soak, form and fry. It;s pretty good and easy, but made-from-scratch is best.

Falafel

1 cup dried chickpeas or 16 oz. can of chickpeas
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
3 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon cumin
2 tablespoons flour
Salt and pepper, to taste


· Use canned beans or place dried chickpeas in a bowl, covering with cold water. Allow to soak overnight.
· Drain chickpeas, and place in pan with fresh water, and bring to a boil.
· Allow to boil for five minutes, then let simmer on low for about an hour.
· Drain and allow to cool for 15 minutes.
· Combine chickpeas, garlic, onion, coriander, cumin, salt and pepper in medium bowl. Add flour.
· Mash chickpeas, ensuring to mix ingredients together. You can also combine ingredients in a food processor. You want the result to be a thick paste.
· Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball.
· Fry in 2 inches of oil at 350 degrees until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
· Serve hot.



Vegan.